Hyderabad: City-based Anuradha Timbers International, one of the largest timber companies in the nation, has found itself at the heart of a historic narrative by crafting the grand doors for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, company director Sarath Babu shared the company’s journey in contributing to the iconic structure. “The design philosophy behind the doors transcends time, rooted in the Nagara Shaili, a centuries-old architectural style prominent in northern Indian temples,” said Babu.
“These designs, conceived years before the Supreme Court's verdict on the temple, seamlessly align with the vision set by architect Sompura. Each carve and curve of the doors symbolises not only physical barriers but a profound manifestation of cultural and religious identity,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey to secure the contract, Babu said, “It all started during our involvement in the Yadadri temple project. We were asked to make a model for the Ram Temple, which later caught the eyes of a selection committee comprising Tata Engineering Consultancy, Larsen and Toubro, and the Ayodhya Trust.”
This marked the beginning of a time-sensitive endeavour, as the company raced against the clock to deliver the intricate doors within a span of six to seven months.
“The first phase, a testament to the dedication and skill of our craftsmen, is now complete. The doors, hand-carved and hand-chiselled in meticulous detail, stand as a testament to our commitment to quality,” he said.
Giving credit to the artisans involved, Babu said craftsmen from Tamil Nadu, led by senior sculptor Kumar Swamy Ramesh, poured their expertise into every inch, ensuring that the wood, carefully selected from Maharashtra, meets the highest standards.
“This wood is sure to last for 1,000 years; like the woodwork in several temples that are 3,000+ years old,” he said.
Babu said that traditional craftsmanship is at the centre stage, but modern technology breathed life into traditional designs through computerised precision.
“This integration not only meets stringent timelines but also enhances the intricacy of the hand-chiselled work, ensuring the finest details are captured with unparalleled accuracy. The primary symbolic elements of the door design features peacocks, elephants, lotus and devata iconography,” he said.
The doors will now move into the next phase, of gold gilding and installation at the temple.
Babu said he was grateful for the opportunity and was lucky to be a part of a project involving millions of people, all of whom contributed whatever they could.
“Gratitude fills my heart as I look back on the great blessing of being part of this project… Anuradha Timbers is now eternally connected to a project that transcends time. It is a privilege, an opportunity of a lifetime, and a chapter in history crafted with wood, skill, and unwavering dedication,” he said.
Door dimensions
Sanctum sanctorum: 8 feet tall, 12 feet wide, 5 inches thick
Other doors: 8 feet tall, 5 inches thick, varied widths
Wood used
Balharshah teak wood from Maharashtra
Carving process
Hand chiselled by craftsmen from Tamil Nadu
6-7 months timeline for preparing the doors
Design rooted in the Nagara Shaili, centuries-old architectural style prominent in northern Indian temples.
